Dame Kelly Holmes - Double Olympic Champion

Welcome to our latest edition of Be Inspired. Here we caught up with Olympic Gold medalist over 800m & 1500m, Dame Kelly Holmes, and asked her some questions about her time both on and off the track.

1 - How long have you been running for?

Too long- 35 years 😬

2 - What got you in to running?

My PE teacher told me to get a grip and helped me to realise my talent. I always say it can sometimes take just one person to make a difference to someone's life.

3 - What’s been your greatest achievement to date?

Winning 2 gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the 800m and 1500m.

The 1500m was my dream since the age of 14 after watching the Los Angeles Olympics.

Also, my charity Dame Kelly Holmes Trust which I set up 9 and half years ago. We work with disadvantaged young people from areas of deprivation, utilising the skills and talents of world class sports people who we train to mentor them.

4 - Do you have any rituals before or after a race that must be stuck to?

Yes, I have to have a chair in my room where I set out all my clothes and any equipment items I have for race day. Like when I did the 2016 London Marathon. If someone else tries to take the chair there is hell!

5 - What’s your favourite post run meal?

Protein Shake and Chocolate!

6 - What’s the best thing you’ve witnessed at an event?

The Paralympics at the London 2012 was astonishing. Chanting in the stadium for the athletes, I have never witnessed that before.

7 - When you’re not running, what’s your favourite pastime?

Cycling now. Less impact on my old body and I love the freedom.

Also opening cafés. I have two in Kent so far @cafe1809 and @cafe1809cyclo

8 - You’re best known for your amazing achievements over 800m & 1500m, but if you had to choose a field event in athletics, which one would you compete in and why?

Ha ha no chance. The only thing I am good at is running!

Having won numerous medals at the top level of athletics, including double gold in Athens, we think it's safe to safe to say that Kelly is an inspiration to runners of all ages and abilities up and down the country!

Many thanks to Kelly for taking part in Be Inspired and we hope you enjoyed hearing from her.